2 Kings 18:14 Meaning and Explanation
“And Hezekiah king of Judah sent to the king of Assyria to Lachish, saying, I have offended; return from me: that which thou puttest on me will I bear. And the king of Assyria appointed unto Hezekiah king of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Hezekiah admits fault to Sennacherib and offers tribute to stop the invasion.
The Context of 2 Kings 18:14
Lachish was a fortified city in southwest Judah that fell to Sennacherib early in the campaign. Hezekiah sends ambassadors there to negotiate. He offers staggering amounts of silver and gold, attempting to buy Judah's safety through payment rather than warfare.
What Does 2 Kings 18:14 Mean?
Hezekiah's faith falters in this moment, or seems to. He sends word to Sennacherib: 'I have offended; return from me; that which thou puttest on me will I bear.' These are the words of a man trying to stop a catastrophe through appeasement. He offers three hundred talents of silver and thirty of gold. The amount is immense, stripping Judah's treasury. It is a last resort, a gamble that Sennacherib can be bought off. It is also, in a sense, a return to the old way of vassalage: paying tribute to save your own skin. Is this the trusting king we saw earlier? It appears not. Under the pressure of imminent siege, Hezekiah moves away from faith toward fear.
But do not judge him too harshly. He is a man, not a saint. His faith is real but also human, wavering under pressure. What matters next is whether he will cling to what he knows to be true or sink into despair. The trial is not over. It is entering its deepest phase.
How to Apply 2 Kings 18:14 Today
You will stumble. You will move toward fear when you should move toward faith. You will be tempted to buy your way out of trouble. Do not condemn yourself for being human. What matters is whether you will turn back. Hezekiah did. So can you.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Kings 18:14
What does 2 Kings 18:14 mean?
Hezekiah admits fault to Sennacherib and offers tribute to stop the invasion.
What is the context of 2 Kings 18:14?
Lachish was a fortified city in southwest Judah that fell to Sennacherib early in the campaign. Hezekiah sends ambassadors there to negotiate. He offers staggering amounts of silver and gold, attempting to buy Judah's safety through payment rather than warfare.
How can I apply 2 Kings 18:14 today?
You will stumble. You will move toward fear when you should move toward faith. You will be tempted to buy your way out of trouble. Do not condemn yourself for being human. What matters is whether you will turn back. Hezekiah did. So can you.